For Home Exercise with Minimum Equipment

I have to give a weight-training workshop for Kansas Extension
Agents (mostly middle-aged women). This is supposed to be (1)
a practical demonstration of lifting techniques and also (2)
covering the benefits of resistance training (for muscular development
and strength) - about 60 minutes.

I don't think most of them have access to a gym since most
are from western Kansas. I'll feature your website if we can
get internet hook-up, but would like to do demonstrate the minimal
program above. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks for consulting me and including ExRx.net as a reference.
Here is a basic run down of the benefits
of resistance training compared to cardio training. Certainly,
they should see their doctor before increasing their activity,
particularly if they have health issues or orthopedic concerns
(see ERQ and Risk
Class Form). Obviously, certain exercises may not be recommended
if they have orthopedic problems or experience joint pain during
a particular exercise. Although full range of motion is suggested
for healthy individuals, ACSM suggests elderly trainees should
perform the exercises with the maximum range of motion that does
not elicit pain or discomfort. For example, the depth of a squat
will be dependent upon the health of the knees. If they are just
too weak to squat their body weight, they may initially either
perform a half squat or assist by pulling themselves up with
their upper body.

Here is an abbreviated program that requires minimal equipment,
each with a progressive resistance method as strength increases.
This program develops functional
strength and endurance for either men or women beginning an exercise
program. It can either be done at home or outside. Many local
parks have calisthenics stations around a walking trail where
these exercises can also be performed.

This program should be performed in 3 non-consecutive days
per week (e.g.: Monday, Wednesday, Friday). Walking can be performed
on alternative days (3-4 days per week). After taking the Rockport Walking test,
this calculator can suggest a walking
program based fitness level.

Once they have proven to themselves, they can adhere to this
program for a couple of months, I would suggest they invest in
at least an assortment of dumbbells and an exercise bench or
exercise ball. Also see home gym
equipment. Some may find they have too many distractions
at home and may need to seek out local gym facilities. Also see
suggestions for exercise
adherence.

Pick one exercise per muscle group(s). A weight
training log (Excel
or HTML Document) should
be encouraged to record progress. Consider changing
exercises in a month or two to see continued progress. Most
exercise may be initially performed without weight, with light
dumbbells or a barbell, or exercise bands. Some exercises may
be a bit challenging for some or too easy for others who have
only lighter weights. It is best to experiment with different
exercises until a suitable one can be found. See Exercise
Directory for more options.

For more exercise options, choose one of the full
body workout listed, then choose one exercise per muscle
group. Exercises requiring no to minimal equipment are listed
in right column under each muscle group.

Flexibility exercises
can be performed at the end of the program. Although a flexibility
prescription should be based upon an individual
assessment. Here are three stretches that concentrate on
the major muscles that cross the hip, muscles that are commonly
in need of more flexibility in most people.